Digital Custom Portraits: Complete Guide to Downloading, Printing & Displaying Your Artwork

You've ordered your custom digital portrait—congratulations! Now comes the exciting part: bringing your artwork to life through printing and display. Digital portraits offer incredible flexibility, allowing you to print your artwork in any size, on various materials, and as many times as you want.

But if you've never worked with digital art files before, you might have questions: What file format will I receive? Where should I print it? What paper works best? How do I ensure the best quality?

This comprehensive guide answers all your questions about digital custom portraits, from downloading your file to displaying your finished artwork beautifully in your home.

Understanding Your Digital Portrait File

What You'll Receive

When you order a digital custom portrait from Boreal Studio, you'll receive a high-resolution digital file delivered via email. Here's what that means:

File Format: High-quality JPG (JPEG) file
Resolution: 300 DPI (dots per inch) - professional print quality
Color Mode: RGB color for vibrant, accurate colors
File Size: Optimized for your selected print size

What is 300 DPI and Why Does It Matter?

DPI (dots per inch) determines print quality. 300 DPI is the professional standard for high-quality prints, ensuring your portrait looks crisp, clear, and beautiful when printed.

300 DPI = Professional Quality (what you'll receive)
150 DPI = Acceptable Quality (noticeable at close inspection)
72 DPI = Screen Quality Only (not suitable for printing)

Your digital portrait is created at 300 DPI, guaranteeing professional results when you print it.

How the Process Works: From Order to Display

Step 1: Place Your Order

Select your desired portrait style and size, upload your reference photo(s), and complete your purchase. Make sure to provide a clear, high-quality reference photo for best results.

Step 2: Artist Creates Your Portrait

Our talented artists begin working on your custom portrait, carefully crafting every detail to capture the essence of your subjects. This typically takes 3-5 business days.

Step 3: Preview & Approval

We send you a preview of your portrait for approval. This is your opportunity to request any adjustments or changes. We offer unlimited revisions until you're completely satisfied.

Step 4: Receive Your Digital File

Once you approve the final design, we email you the high-resolution digital file (300 DPI JPG). The file is optimized for your selected size and ready to print.

Step 5: Download & Save

Download your file and save it in a safe location. We recommend:

• Saving to your computer's hard drive
• Backing up to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud)
• Keeping the original email for future reference

Pro Tip: Don't edit or resize your file. Use it exactly as received for best print quality.

Step 6: Print Your Portrait

Take your digital file to a professional printer or print online. More details on this below!

Step 7: Frame & Display

Frame your printed portrait and display it proudly in your home!

Where to Print Your Digital Portrait

You have many options for printing your digital portrait. Here are the best choices:

Online Print Services (Recommended)

Online printing services offer professional quality, convenience, and competitive pricing.

Top Recommendations:

1. Printful (printful.com)
✓ Professional quality prints
✓ Multiple paper options
✓ Ships worldwide
✓ Framing options available
 Price Range: $15-50 depending on size

2. Printique (formerly AdoramaPix) (printique.com)
✓ Premium photo printing
✓ Excellent color accuracy
✓ Museum-quality papers
✓ Custom framing available
 Price Range: $20-60 depending on size

3. Nations Photo Lab (nationsphotolab.com)
✓ Professional-grade printing
✓ Wide variety of paper types
✓ Canvas and metal options
✓ Fast turnaround
 Price Range: $18-55 depending on size

4. Shutterfly (shutterfly.com)
✓ User-friendly interface
✓Frequent sales and discounts
✓ Good quality for the price
✓ Many size options
 Price Range: $12-40 depending on size

5. Costco Photo Center (costcophotocenter.com)
✓Excellent value
✓ High quality prints
✓ In-store pickup available
✓ Membership required
 Price Range: $8-30 depending on size (very affordable!)

Local Print Shops

Local print shops and photo centers offer the advantage of seeing samples and getting personalized service.

Where to find local printers:

• Staples/Office Depot: Convenient, affordable, decent quality
• Local camera shops: Often offer professional printing services
• Independent print shops: Personalized service, high quality
• Art supply stores: Some offer fine art printing services

Advantages of local printing:

• See paper samples in person
• Get expert advice
• Quick turnaround (often same-day)
• Support local businesses

Choosing the Right Paper Type

Paper choice significantly affects how your portrait looks and feels. Here are the most popular options:

Matte Paper (Most Popular)

Best for: Modern, minimalist portraits; line art; black and white portraits

Characteristics:

• No glare or reflections
• Smooth, elegant finish
• Professional, gallery-quality look
• Fingerprint-resistant

Recommended for: Living rooms, bedrooms, offices - anywhere with varied lighting

💡 Our #1 Recommendation: Matte paper works beautifully with most portrait styles and looks professional in any setting.

Glossy Paper

Best for: Full-color portraits; vibrant, detailed illustrations

Characteristics:

• Vibrant, saturated colors
• Sharp detail and contrast
• Shiny finish
• Can show glare in bright light

Recommended for: Spaces with controlled lighting; albums; when maximum color vibrancy is desired

Lustre/Pearl Paper (Premium Option)

Best for: High-end displays; gift-giving; special occasions

Characteristics:

• Subtle sheen (between matte and glossy)
• Rich colors without excessive glare
• Professional, premium feel
• Fingerprint-resistant

Recommended for: When you want the best of both worlds - vibrant colors with minimal glare

Canvas

Best for: Large portraits; gallery wall displays; textured, artistic look

Characteristics:

• Textured, artistic appearance
• No glass or frame needed (can be stretched)
• Durable and long-lasting
• Modern, gallery-style presentation

Recommended for: Living rooms, large wall spaces, contemporary homes

Fine Art Paper (Premium)

Best for: Museum-quality displays; archival purposes; serious art collectors

Characteristics:

• Thick, textured paper
• Archival quality (lasts 100+ years)
• Rich, deep colors
• Premium price point

Recommended for: Heirloom pieces, special gifts, when longevity matters most

Paper Recommendations by Portrait Style

Minimalist Line Art Portraits: Matte paper
Full-Color Family Portraits: Lustre or Glossy paper
Black & White Portraits: Matte or Fine Art paper
Vibrant, Colorful Portraits: Glossy or Lustre paper
Large Statement Pieces: Canvas
Vintage/Retro Style: Matte or Fine Art paper

Print Sizes & Recommendations

Your digital file is optimized for your selected size, but you have flexibility:

Can I Print Smaller Than My File Size?

Yes! You can always print smaller than your file size with perfect quality. For example, if you ordered an 18x24" file, you can print it at 16x20", 11x14", or 8x10" with excellent results.

Can I Print Larger Than My File Size?

Not recommended. Printing larger than your file size can result in pixelation or blurriness. Stick to your ordered size or smaller for best quality.

Popular Print Sizes

Small (8x10" to 11x14"): Perfect for desks, shelves, gallery walls
Medium (16x20" to 18x24"): Ideal for bedrooms, offices, above furniture
Large (24x36" and up): Statement pieces for living rooms, large walls

Framing Your Portrait

Where to Buy Frames

Affordable Options:

• IKEA - Modern, affordable frames in standard sizes
• Target - Good variety, reasonable prices
• Amazon - Huge selection, competitive pricing
• Michaels - Frequent sales, custom framing available

Premium Options:

• Framebridge - Custom framing, shipped to your door
• Level Frames - Modern, high-quality frames
• Local frame shops - Personalized service, custom options

Frame Style Recommendations

Modern/Minimalist Portraits: Simple black, white, or natural wood frames
Traditional Portraits: Ornate frames in gold, silver, or dark wood
Colorful Portraits: Neutral frames that don't compete with the art
Black & White Portraits: Black or white frames for classic elegance

Matting

Adding a mat (border) between your portrait and frame creates a professional, gallery-quality look.

Benefits of matting:

• Draws eye to the artwork
• Adds visual breathing room
• Protects print from touching glass
• Professional, polished appearance

Standard mat colors: White, cream, or black (choose based on your portrait and décor)

Protecting Your Print

UV-Protective Glass

For prints displayed in areas with natural light, consider UV-protective glass or acrylic. This prevents fading over time and keeps your portrait looking vibrant for years.

Proper Placement

Avoid:

• Direct sunlight
• High humidity areas (bathrooms)
• Extreme temperature changes

Best locations:

• Interior walls away from windows
• Climate-controlled rooms
• Areas with indirect lighting

Printing Multiple Copies

One of the biggest advantages of digital portraits is the ability to print multiple copies!

Great uses for multiple prints:

• Gifts for family members (grandparents love this!)
• Different sizes for different rooms
• Backup copies
• Updating as frames or décor changes

You own the digital file forever - print as many times as you want, whenever you want!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: Colors Look Different When Printed

Solution: Screens display colors differently than printers. Slight color variations are normal. For critical color matching, request a test print or work with a professional printer who offers color proofing.

Issue: Print Looks Pixelated or Blurry

Possible causes:

• Printing larger than file size - stick to ordered size or smaller
• File was edited or resized - use original file as received
• Printer quality issues - try a different print service

Issue: Can't Download or Open File

Solution: Contact us immediately! We'll resend your file or provide it in an alternative format. Your satisfaction is guaranteed.

Cost Breakdown: What to Expect

Here's a realistic budget for bringing your digital portrait to life:

Digital Portrait File: $XX-XX (one-time purchase)
Printing (16x20"): $15-40 depending on service and paper
Frame (16x20"): $20-80 depending on quality and style
Mat (optional): $10-25
Shipping: $5-15 (or free with some services)

Total Investment: Approximately $50-160 for a beautiful, professional-quality framed portrait

Compare to: Professional photography session ($200-500+) plus printing and framing

Tips for Best Results

✓Use the original file - don't edit, resize, or compress
✓Choose quality printers - cheap printing shows in the results
✓Select appropriate paper - match paper to portrait style
✓Consider professional framing - it makes a huge difference
✓Protect from sunlight - preserve your portrait for years
✓Keep your digital file safe - back it up in multiple locations
✓Print test sizes - if unsure, print small first to see quality

Why Choose Digital Portraits?

Digital custom portraits offer unmatched flexibility and value:

Print Unlimited Copies - Give to family, print for multiple rooms
Cost-Effective - One file, endless possibilities
Total Control - Choose your own paper, size, and framing
Instant Delivery - No shipping wait times
Reprint Anytime - Damaged print? Just reprint!
Perfect for Gifts - Print copies for multiple recipients

Ready to Order Your Digital Custom Portrait?

Now that you understand the complete process—from downloading your file to displaying your finished artwork—you're ready to order your custom digital portrait with confidence!

At Boreal Studio, we create stunning custom portraits delivered as high-resolution digital files, giving you complete flexibility to print and display your artwork exactly how you want.

Our process is simple, our artists are talented, and our customer service is exceptional. We work with you every step of the way to ensure you receive a portrait you'll treasure forever.

Browse our digital portrait collections and start creating your custom artwork today!

Have questions about the digital file process? Contact us at borealstudio.art@gmail.com - we're here to help!